The Solo origin story has been plagued with controversy for some time now. The problems began when Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy started to have creative differences with the film’s original directors, Phil Lord and Chris Miller. The two directors were a few weeks from finishing the film before they got the ax and Ron Howard came in to save the day. Howard completed the film on time for its May release and people that have seen it only have good things to say about the latest Star Wars spin-off.

Solo: A Star Wars Story is written by Empire Strikes Back writer Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jonathan. The two writers recently sat down with Indiewire to discuss some of the turmoil behind the scenes during the exit of the film’s original directors. Jonathan, in particular, commented on how unpleasant the process was:

“Well, it was excruciating. It was painful for everyone involved, and it was really the last thing I think anyone wanted. There was no one involved in this movie who was hoping that this would go down this way. And, given the reality of the situation and what did happen, I think we ended up with someone we barely even deserved. He was so wonderful.”

Jonathan continued with more praise and gratitude for the arrival of Howard:

“When Ron showed up and was willing to do it, it was really a godsend, because there was no one more up to that task, I think, on the planet. Just in terms of filmmaking, and in terms of personality, to step into what was a really difficult situation and to do it with such grace, and joy, and enthusiasm. By day three, he had put everyone to ease, and the thing was moving like a freight train.”

Jonathan’s father then agreed with his son on the arrival of Howard:

“We were thrilled to get him.”

Solo has had a rough ride so far but seems to have gotten back on track and looks to continue the tradition of Star Wars films success at the box office. Fans will get to see the Star Wars smugglers origin story when it finally hit theaters later this month.

Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in Solo: A Star Wars Story, an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.

Every ‘Star Wars’ Movie Ranked From Worst To Best

Star Wars was released in 1977 and has become one of the biggest film franchises in the history of cinema. Han Solo. Luke Skywalker. Princess Leia. Darth Vader. These characters have become synonymous with pop culture around the world.

Star Wars has transcended generations but when Revenge of the Sith was released in 2005, many fans assumed that this galaxy far far away had come to a close and we wouldn’t be seeing any new films. It wasn’t until 2012 that everything changed. On October 30, 2012, Disney announced a deal to purchase Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion. Since that purchase, Disney has brought Star Wars back to the main folds of pop culture with The Force Awakens and even Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

In honor of The Last Jedi being released in theaters, Heroic Hollywood is ranking every Star Wars film from worst to best. It should be noted that this countdown doesn’t include any of the animated series or the Holiday Special. Check out our rankings by clicking next! Every section will feature the best highlight and lowlight from the film.